AMC Networks Inc., the global entertainment company responsible for The Walking Dead, Mad Men and Breaking Bad, has invested $200 million in BBC America, giving both companies access to a range of premium content – as well as expanding the BBC’s footprint into the US.
The new partnership will see AMC Networks acquire a 49.9% equity stake in BBC America, home to series including Doctor Who, Orphan Black, Luther and Broadchurch.
Currently available in almost 80 million homes in the US, BBC America will be managed as a standalone channel within the AMC Networks portfolio, alongside AMC, IFC, WE tv and Sundance TV.
Also included in the partnership will be the representation of BBC World News in US distribution and domestic advertising sales.
BBC director general, Tony Hall, said that the US is an “important market” for the BBC’s commercial activities.
“This partnership brings together the whole BBC and will help us reach new audiences in the US, strengthen BBC America’s position for the long term and create opportunities for the UK creative community,” said Hall.
“We’ve already worked successfully with AMC Networks on award-winning productions of Top of the Lake and the Honourable Woman and this partnership means we can produce even more top quality drama together. And I hope this is the beginning of us working together on other future projects too.”
Josh Sapan, AMC Networks president and CEO, added: “The BBC is one of the most recognised, trusted and respected brands in the world and we are proud to partner with it to create a content offering unmatched in the industry.
“A combined AMC Networks-BBC America channel group creates a powerful collection of networks that are among the most critically-acclaimed, with distinct dramas and other potent content that creates a deep connection with viewers. Our content rises to the top on many levels and is particularly well-suited to an era of on-demand viewing and expanding consumer choice.”
